Israel: We Assassinated Hezbollah UAV Commander - Blinken Urges more Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

In a significant development, Israel has confirmed its responsibility for the assassination of Hezbollah's UAV commander, Ali Hussein Borji, in southern Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, revealed that Borji led numerous operations against Israel, including a recent drone infiltration from Lebanon.

During a press conference in Israel, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured him that Israel would not pressure Palestinian citizens to leave the Gaza Strip. Blinken emphasized concerns about the high number of casualties, particularly children, in Gaza.

Blinken met with Israeli leaders, urging them to address the challenging humanitarian situation in Gaza. He announced a plan for the United Nations to conduct an assessment mission in the northern Gaza Strip to facilitate the return of displaced residents.

Defense Minister Yoav Galant indicated that military operations would continue until Hamas and Shabat leaders are reached in the Khan Yunis area. He also urged increased American pressure on Iran to prevent regional escalation.

Blinken criticized South Africa's petition to the International Court of Justice, dismissing claims of Israeli genocide as baseless. He called for Israel to transfer tax money to the Palestinian Authority, emphasizing the importance of supporting essential services and security forces in the West Bank.

Blinken repeatedly hinted at the potential for a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, contingent on Israeli efforts to establish a Palestinian state. This aligns with recent statements by the Saudi ambassador to Britain.

British Foreign Minister David Cameron expressed concerns in Parliament about Israel potentially violating international law, emphasizing the need for regular checks on Israel's actions during its conflict with Hamas.

An IDF preliminary investigation into the deaths of six engineering soldiers in the Gaza Strip revealed an unplanned explosion caused by an activated explosive device designed to blow up a tunnel. The IDF ruled out enemy fire as the cause.

As diplomatic efforts continue, tensions in the region remain high, with discussions ranging from military operations to humanitarian aid and the prospects of a Palestinian state.

photo: Kobi Gidon. government office